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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How many policemen are left in Mary’s house after they’ve all had drinks?

2. What is Mary doing as she enters her home from the store?

3. “Lamb to the Slaughter” was initially rejected by what periodical for publication?

4. Where does Mary exit the home after killing Patrick?

5. What word from the story means a punishment imposed or incurred for a violation of law?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where in the story does the denouement take place? What happens in the denouement?

2. How is the theme of passivity in “Lamb to the Slaughter” illustrated through Patrick’s character?

3. What action does Patrick commit in “Lamb to Slaughter” to propel the action of the story forward?

4. What is significant about O’Malley’s name in “Lamb to Slaughter”?

5. How would you characterize Mary’s mindset as she commits murder in “Lamb to Slaughter”?

6. How do Mary’s actions after the murder resemble those of an actor preparing for a role?

7. How is Mary’s transformation metaphorically depicted in her descent into the cellar?

8. What is black humor? When did black humor rise in popularity in literature and entertainment?

9. Who is Sergeant Noonan in the story? When does he arrive in “Lamb to Slaughter”?

10. Where in the story does the exposition take place? What important information is revealed through the exposition?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define “foreshadowing” in narrative literature and identify examples of foreshadowing in “Lamb to the Slaughter.” What actions, events, and descriptions in the opening pages of the story indicate that a murder will take place? What purpose does the foreshadowing serve in the story?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the historical context of “Lamb to the Slaughter.” Consider how the story relates to its time period in terms of societal, political, cultural, and technological aspects. Do you think the story effectively reflects the time period in which it is set? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the character of Mary and analyze her personality and characteristics as described in the narrative. How are Mary’s feelings about her husband indicated in the text? How does Mary Maloney fulfill the “archetype” of the American housewife in the 1950s? What characteristics does Mary exhibit that fulfill this archetype? How does Mary break from the archetype, and what do you think this indicates?

(see the answer keys)

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